By Olugbenga Salami
Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has said that a new State Police model under review will focus on accountability and curb political abuse of security forces.
Bamidele, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reviewing the 1999 Constitution, disclosed Sunday that the National Assembly is crafting a decentralised policing framework “to serve all Nigerians regardless of status.”
The announcement came as Bamidele issued a personal statement celebrating President Bola Tinubu’s 74th birthday and commending his administration’s security initiatives.
Nigeria’s worsening violence has revived calls for a federal-style police system that mirrors the country’s political structure.
Tinubu has publicly backed decentralisation, and the Nigeria Police Force recently submitted a 75-page framework to Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau for legislative action.
Bamidele praised the President for working with parliament to stem insecurity, noting the president is “looking beyond traditional approaches” to tackle extremism and armed attacks.
He recalled that Tinubu has already endorsed State Police as part of a broader plan to protect lives, private property and public assets.
The goal, Bamidele explained, is to devolve policing powers to sub-national authorities to improve governance even in remote communities—a request the Assembly treats as priority.
He added that the draft framework will embed accountability mechanisms “to prevent abuse by the political class, reinforce justice, discourage impunity and protect fundamental rights.”
Bamidele said these efforts reflect a shared conviction between the presidency and parliament to deliver safer communities, anchored in global best practices.
At 74, he argued, Tinubu has shown “allegiance, love and sacrifice” for Nigeria, calling him “a man of history, purpose and vision” who steered the nation from turbulent waters.
Despite painful reforms, Bamidele noted, results are emerging: “The president remains firm, leading daily with conviction, dexterity and patriotism through difficult times.”
He traced Tinubu’s reform drive to his activist youth, pro-democracy struggle, and transformative governorship of Lagos, saying current macro-economic and tax reforms have boosted reserves by 42% and lifted sub-national allocations by 111%.
The Senate Leader added that Tinubu’s tough choices—once avoided by predecessors—are moving Nigeria from uncertainty toward a more stable and prosperous future.
